Question: A friend's car was hit while parked in a local business parking lot. While this upsets a guy, he thought there was nothing that could be done.
After getting the bill for the repairs, much higher than expected, he submitted it to his insurance. His insurance company wants a copy of the police report, but now when he went to the police they said he waited too long to report it.
Now his insurance company says they won't pay for the repairs. How long do you have to report an accident?
Answer: According to statute 169.09 sb 6 if the crash involves an injury or death the driver is to "by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, to a State Patrol officer if the accident occurs on a trunk highway, or to the office of the sheriff of the county."
In short, as quickly as possible and calling 911 is probably the best way of doing that.
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Now there are some interesting facts you mentioned. First, your friend's car was hit while parked so I am assuming it was not occupied at the time. If that is correct then your friend was not a driver and it is the driver that is required to report these matters.
Second, if a person comes to me and says his/her car was damaged in a parking lot four-five month ago and now they need a report for their insurance company, well basically they are out of luck.
In my report, I would have to admit that I have no knowledge of how, when or where this damage occurred. Basically that I have no knowledge of whether there was such a collision or not. And that most likely will not sit well with the insurance company.
Check with your insurance agent and find out how long after a crash before they want you to notify them.
If you find your car has been damage it is best for you to notify the police immediately. I cannot promise we can find the other party, but then if your insurance company has questions we can at least verify that it was reported and was/is under investigation. Waiting four-five months (very bad idea) only raises concerns about possible fraud in this matter.
If you have any questions send them to Sgt. Andy Schmidt, andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us .
